Behind Closed Doors

In the Room with Reagan & Nixon

De: Ken Khachigian

Narrado por: Dean Gallagher

A compelling insider's account by the trusted adviser and confidante to America's presidential giants and political legends as he draws the curtains back on his most private moments with Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon during revolutionary changes in our economy, politics, communications, foreign policy, and culture.

"Ken Khachigian has written the most lucid, most important work about the postwar period. For an inside look at how ugly politics can be-and how noble-you cannot miss this book. I still love Ken after fifty years and you will, too, when you read this jewel of a memoir." -Ben Stein, economist, law professor, multi-Emmy-awarded actor, speechwriter for presidents Nixon and Ford, novelist, and screenwriter

"This is essential reading for anyone wanting to know how Ronald Reagan shaped his crusading message of economic growth through tax cuts and limited government. Khachigian's is a fascinating account by one who takes you into the rooms where the decisions were made." -Larry Kudlow, host of Fox Business Network's Kudlow and former director, National Economic Council

©2024 Ken Khachigian (P)2024 Kalorama

Engrossing and revealing

I thought there were no more stones to turn but this story is a no holds barred look inside Reagan’s comm style/strategy and Nixon’s unvarnished assessment of the political landscape as Reagan ascended and led the nation. KK lands quite a few (valid) punches on a lot of the Reagan staff/advisors/players. A rich voice for KK, Reagan and RN.

Political Speech Writing

Ken Khachigian has provided an insightful and historical book about the inner workings of two well known Presidents over a fifteen year period, California and Washington DC. Fascinating to learn that any political campaign and ultimate office holder requires many support personnel, including speech writers to fine tune addresses by public leaders. Dean Gallagher is an excellent narrator!

The behind the scenes drama

The details that Ken reveals not only about President Reagan and Nancy but also about Nixon

Forget the filibuster rule?

It was good to have a reminder that the Democrat party at one point had the blue dog Democrats. They would cross over and defy Tip O’Neill who was the speaker of the house. Now the Democrats are all progressive with the blue dogs chased away many years ago.
Reagan could overwhelm the filibuster rule by having 40 Democrats vote with him.
I think since Senator Schumer brought up that he would definitely dispense with the filibuster rule for selected issue, it is worthwhile that President Trump does that for the recommended budget cuts coming from Elon Musk.

Great behind the curtain detail.

How fortunate Nixon and Regan were to have Ken at their service. Truly “The Master” of political speech writing.

What stood out for me in this book were the details behind the scenes of all of the great speeches of the great communicator Ronald Reagan. Additionally, the consistent support of Regan by Richard Nixon (through Ken).

I really love the ending of the book. The details of Nixon and Reagan meeting at Reagan‘s office in Fox Plaza. Too bad it was only 46 minutes long, the meeting between the two, and it wasn’t four hours long!

More about Ken than Rich or Ron

It was pretty good but not as much about how Reagan and Nixon worked together. Focused more on the speeches and was his personal narrative. Not as advertised but still a good read.

How I saved Nixon and Reagan

This volume embraces an extremely interesting subject. Told by a stereotypical Washington wonk who, like so many of his kind, are consummate self-promoters and ruthless maligners of others in the arena, particularly some who accomplished so much more in American affairs than he did. Like trout during a caddis hatch, climbing over everyone else to enable their noses to break the surface and snap the prize. Particularly unnerving was a third-grade editorial mistake by the narrator who repeatedly pronounced Lima (like the bean), Ohio as if it were a city in Peru. Fingernails on a chalkboard. Mr. Khachigian colloquially refers to himself as a "word donkey," but his work reveals him to be a word jackass in disguise.